The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1887-05-26
vas becoming tired he endeavored to

HhS HNod' NSotS hONONNi ANoiopO0 VIM
being thrown, but. standing upright
with his fore p OIL Toms chest, the
latter began to back, l~aughingly, from
him, round the room. Unfortunately,
his foot tripped, and down he went with
{ ar right on top of him.
The animal gave a sniff, and then q
low. peculiar call at which Rhedive
swiitly advanced from the corner, wherc
Ie had been sulkily watching the .ost-
Ing. With a blaze of his small eyes,
snd a low growl. he raised his large
paw. preparatory to giving Tom a stroke
,n the head, when the latter struggled
to his feet with a combined feeling OF
fear and anger e~ndeayoring to take pos
session of him. Both animals now stood
before him, their tails angrily whipp ne
back and forth, and when Tom spoke
soaxingly to them their only response
was a growl.
Tom, though a tall STRIPPING, was not
& match in strength for two angry
Young lions, though well capable Of
managing one, and so he decided to beat
4 retreat to the door, which was on the
opposite side of the room. Long used
TO frolics of only a friendly nature, no
'Oald not bring himself to believe that
there was any danger from these curly
haired friends, and so, stamping his
foot in his usual impetuous manner, he
commanded in as angry a tone as he
could consume:
SHOWN, Car. Down, Khedive."
Neither animal paid any heed to his
words, but kept up a swift Slashing of
their tails, whilst their small eyes, redly
omlnous, sparkled v%irulently, in their
large, heavy heads.
Then, Tom, alive now to be the neces-
Sity of the case, changed his tactics,
and, swapping his fingers in a friendly
manner, called, coaxingly:
Here now, Czar-poor fellow"
1t flashed owe him as he spoke that
he was more of a poor fellow than
Car was, but being in no position to
choose his words he used more Ian
guage to the same effect.
The only reply elected from the hor-
rible beasts was a low growl, and then,
Observing that Khedive was slowly slip
ping around to the back and Gar as
Stunning a crouch preparatory to a
spring, Tom came to a rapid conclusion
that he would have to run for it.
He made a dash for the door, and as
he did so both animals sprang on him
roaring with rage and gnashing their
fierce white teeth as they all rolled over
together. The parrot screamed out with
delight.
Kill; Kill him. Go it, boys. Ha:
ha! hap
At this critical moment the door flew
open and Col. Whitney, breathless with
running, rushed in and laid his cane
vigorously about him.
The change was instantaneous. Gar,
growing fiercely, retreated to a corner,
while knedive fawned abiectly at Col.
Whitneys feet, and the parrot remarked
in her sweetest tones:
Good boys. Kiss and be friends!
Folly loves good boys"
81 wish Polly belonged to me. I'd
cut her head of" said Tom, who, ragged
and heated, was standing by his uncle.
Il don't know how it happened" he
continued, in answer to his uncle's
questioning glance.
Its a lie! Tommy tells a lieI"
shrieked the parrot, angrily.
Eva, who was standing in the door,
burst out laughing. and Tom shook his
fist at the bird, and, drawing out his
handkerchief, mopped his face vigor-
ously. Col. Whitney, who was watch
ing him, gravely amused, started vio-
iently, for both beasts had arisen 81
multaneously, and were watching Tom
intently, while a little nervous twitch
of their tails indicated a renewal of
hostilities.
"Where did that blood come from on
your handkerchief" cried the colonel,
energetically; for heavens sake put it
up, for see how excited they are becom-
ing"
"Only cut my finger this morning on
my way here" returned Tom, carelessly
thrusting his handkerchief in his pocket.
That fully accounts for their attacking
you," said the colonel; chow could you
be so unpardonably careless, Tom. l
was certain my pretty darlings could
not be behaving badly without good
reason" he continued, fondly patting
Khedive on his head.
81 am sure l didn't know" returned
Tom, a little angrily, that the nasty
beasts minded the smell of blood"
They don't mind it, Tom," said the
old gentleman, chuckling, "they dote on
that is the cause of the warm
greeting you received this morning"
won't you have to part with them
now" said Iva, a little a%nxiously, ap-
preaching Tom and laying a soft hand
on his ragged shoulder, and looking
gravely at Col. Whitney.
Part with them?" Numbered the old
angrily, certainly not-you
must be dreaming, Eva. Tom must just
keep away from here after what has oc-
for the cubs will lever forget or
him again."
81 think, uncle, they are getting dan
gerous," said Tom, with a little glance
at his torn garments.
Danger" shouted the old colonel,
irascibly, 81 would part with my great
grandmother before I'd part with my
Tom said no more, but took his de-
parture, the parrot accompanying him
to the door and calling after him:
Goodbye, Tommy-come again! Ha!
ha,"
Tom sailed his cap at the bird and
knocked him over, and with a torrent
of profanity following him, he a